Saigon

ABOARD AMADARA-One last day in Saigon begins at the Ben Thanh Market for a last batch of shopping and haggling. Wondering how it is all going to fit in my suitcase, I join two travel pals for lunch at the highly touted Cuc Gach Quan. Alas, perhaps AmaDara has spoiled us for the cuisine did not meet our expectations. Back at the Sofitel, still pondering purchases vs. space, we decide to treat ourselves to a foot massage. …

ABOARD AMADARA-Landing in Saigon I wake up to find AmaDara against the bulkhead at the industrial port of My Tho. River vessels stop here because to reach the port of Saigon they must take to the open ocean, much too dangerous in a flat-bottomed ship. Bill paid, passport in hand, luggage out, breakfast eaten, cabin key cards back to reception, all of the details of disembarkation handled, it is time to leave AmaDara for an optional two-night …

Sixth in a series from the ruins and rivers of Southeast Asia For our last day on the Mekong River, the Avalon Angkor was docked in downtown Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), which was abuzz with people at work, at play and, in between, riding their motorbikes. Lots of locals still call it Saigon, this city of 10 million people and nearly as many motorbikes, which, said a guide, are primarily from China, because the bikes are …